Historic Holyhead landmark reborn as affordable housing in £1.5m restoration
Historic Holyhead landmark reborn as affordable housing in £1.5m restoration
A once-derelict Grade II-listed building in Holyhead has been given a new lease of life, as a £1.5 million restoration project transforms Plas Alltran into four affordable apartments for local residents.
The project, led by BTP Architects in partnership with Isle of Anglesey County Council, has not only delivered much-needed housing but also safeguarded one of Wales’ most at-risk Victorian buildings. Formerly a doctor’s surgery, Plas Alltran was previously listed among the ten most endangered historic buildings in Wales and England by the Victorian Society.
Designed for single and two-person households, the one-bedroom apartments are now available for affordable rent, bringing a heritage site back into meaningful use while addressing local housing demand.
The restoration involved a team of specialists, including heritage contractors Recclesia, M&E consultants Hulley, and structural engineers Caulmert, with work taking place over two years. The project was completed with input and oversight from Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, to ensure strict adherence to conservation standards.
Despite significant structural challenges, the renovation retained much of the building’s original character, including slate tiles and external walls. Lost architectural features such as stair spindles, cornices and mouldings were painstakingly replicated using traditional craftsmanship.
A key innovation was the installation of a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, selected due to conservation constraints around the building’s original windows. The system offers modern energy efficiency without altering the historic facade. Inside, insulated lime plaster was used to boost thermal performance while keeping carbon emissions low.
“Plas Alltran is a fantastic example of how careful restoration, mindful design and successful partnership working can come together to create sustainable, affordable homes,” said Andy (Kwok) Wan, Director at BTP Architects.
“This project not only preserves a significant part of Holyhead’s heritage, but also supports the well-being and dignity of its new residents.”
Councillor Robin Wyn Williams, Finance & Housing Portfolio Holder at Isle of Anglesey County Council, praised the development as a blend of community value and heritage conservation.
He said: “This development provides high-quality, affordable homes in the heart of the community, while also bringing a treasured local building back into use. It reflects our wider commitment to delivering housing that meets real need, in a way that respects the character and heritage of our island.”
Jamie Moore, Director at Recclesia, described the restoration as a rescue operation saying: “Bringing Plas Alltran back from the brink was a real challenge. Working with BTP Architects and Anglesey Council, we’ve saved a building of historic significance while creating a modern, livable space.”
The project has not only contributed to Holyhead’s housing stock but has also succeeded in removing Plas Alltran from the At Risk Register, which lists vacant and structurally unsound historic buildings.
The restoration was supported with grant funding from Welsh Government and Cadw, aligning with Anglesey Council’s strategic objective to reuse heritage assets for community benefit.
BTP Architects continues to build on its reputation for heritage-led regeneration, delivering socially impactful projects that merge historic preservation with modern living standards.
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